Shaking up Raleigh’s housing market in a green way is IDYLE, the city’s first net-zero energy-ready townhomes. Recently splashing on the scene on South Bloodworth Street just steps from Transfer Co. Food Hall, the collection of 10 mod three-story, three- to four-bedroom dwellings comes tricked out with eco-perks like solar panels, a Tesla Powerwall, EV-car hookups and a home-monitoring system to track energy performance.
“It’s a groundbreaking project for Raleigh,” says Johnny Chappell of real estate firm Chappell and developer DevPointe. “This was a chance for us to do something that felt like it fit well in the Downtown fabric, but also something that stood out and offered something different for people who are looking to live, work and play in DTR.”
The concept first sparked in 2021 with a mission to increase density, expand affordable housing options beyond larger single-family homes and build sustainably so as to “be good stewards of the planet we all live on,” adds Chappell. Bonus: The primo location means max solar exposure—and positions the Downtown core in the front yard.
Courtesy of Chappell
Fully passive-powered, the homes are capable of generating more energy than they use to earn a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of zero—aka max energy efficiency—when upgraded to a full package of 32 solar panels. Translation: Homeowners can all but erase their monthly utility expenses while cashing in on major tax incentives.
Still, green doesn’t mean giving up luxe. Think chef’s kitchens with custom cabinets by local pros, quartz countertops, high-end electric appliances, and walls of windows framing views of skyline vistas. Rooftop terraces pull double duty, pairing solar panels that both power the homes and shade the space for optimal lounging and entertaining.
The result plays right into IDYLE’s calling card: boundary-pushing sleek, smart, sustainable living that’s anything but cookie-cutter. “We’ve had a very positive response, not only from homebuyers, but from those interested in something truly original,” emphasizes Chappell. “Anytime we get to do something outside the box or that pushes our creativity, it’s good for our team—and for the Raleigh market.” Call it a blueprint proving that, in Raleigh, sustainability and style aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re the new standard.
A collection of high-end, net-zero-energy homes has hit the market near the Village District, marking a first for our area and a win for the environment.
A few decades ago, using the term “green” when describing a home would have conjured an image of some crunchy, solar-powered cabin tucked away in the woods. Fast-forward to today and low-impact living has become the epitome of modern luxury, as evidenced by Tower Raleigh, the stunning new collection of sustainable homes situated ITB near Village District and Jaycee Park.
Tower designer Will Alphin, also the founder of sustainably minded local firm REdesign.build, was perfectly suited to tackle this project given his 20+ years of experience designing and building for clients and working in existing neighborhoods.
“The combination of wanting to do something to push the envelope on sustainability, having a comfort level with understanding what folks want in a home, and also having a reputation as a good design-build team—it felt like those three things we could pull together and do a for-sale project,” he shares. “So that’s where it all started.”
The high-performance community—a partnership between REdesign.build, Chappell [Powered by Compass] and Southern Energy Management—is comprised of four net-zero-energy homes; that is, they can generate as much renewable energy as they consume, if not more. And it stands out as one of the first single-family residential developments of its kind in the Triangle.
“We knew we were going to be doing something like had never been done before, so we built one house first to completion and took an opportunity to learn how we could do things better,” explains Alphin, who loved the concept so much he decided to purchase the home.
Construction is now underway for the other three Tower residences, with expected completion in spring 2024. As of press time, one has already been claimed and two remain on the market, with a starting price tag of $1.95 million.
Each 4,100-square-foot, three-story home boasts eco-friendly materials, triple-pane windows, rooftop solar panels, and tech-savvy features that prioritize energy efficiency and functionality—think a Tesla Powerwall, Loxone home automation system and more. “We have the technology to be comfortable and energy-efficient, so let’s do that,” says Alphin.
But style is certainly not compromised. The modern, dark wood-accented dwellings are thoughtfully curated to be open and free-flowing, with a floating stairwell, swoonworthy chef’s kitchen and light-flooded spaces that truly bring the outdoors in.
Although Tower only recently hit the market, the cutting-edge community has already generated buzz after being awarded the coveted George Matsumoto Prize in 2020 by NCModernist—a recognition that Alphin says is “very validating.” He acknowledges that a development like Tower is a risk, but one that he’s willing to take.
“We’re saying we believe in this; we’re going to put this out there,” the designer shares. “We believe there’s enough like-minded people out there at this time who will buy these homes.”
When asked which design element he’s the most proud of, Alphin pauses to think. “The homes are high-performance, so they’re trying to accomplish more than just being nice homes. They are trying to do a lot: being hyper-energy-efficient and sustainable while also being amazing and wonderful homes to live in,” he muses. “And I think they do that very elegantly. It all has a simplicity to it. I’m proud of the overall design, and I think everything works really well in concert.”
He adds: “It’s like when you get in a really nice car. You know it has all this technology, but you just feel comfortable and safe and it’s really fun to drive. I just get a great feeling living in the house.”towerraleigh.com
